Villa Question And Walk To Kerasia

Hi everyone, we are coming to St Stefanos in September for the first time (first time to Corfu as well). We have a choice of two accommodations and trying to decide between them. It is for myself, my husband and our daughter who will be 18 months old. Our biggest requirement was being able to walk, not drive, to good swimming, as husband a water baby and we didn't want to constantly be putting baby in and out of car seat. We also want peace and quiet, and access to a few tavernas. We have been offered Villa Mary in the village itself. Supposedly a five minute walk to waterfront. What is the beach in the village like for a quick swim (not lounging about so much but popping in and out for a dip?) What would it be like with our 18 month old? The other property is Villa Sophia which is on Kerasia beach. However that involves sharing the building with one other party, taking either the upper or lower floor. It also means sharing the pool (Villa Mary has its own pool). The gate at bottom of Sophia opens on to Kerasia beach. I see that Kerasia beach looks a better beach for daily swims. However then you are not close to a taverna etc. So wondered if there are any thoughts about being in Stefanos village versus being at Kerasia (also taking into account private pool versus sharing). If we do take the village villa - how long is the walk to Kerasia, realistically with a baby in either stroller or backpack? Is it along a road or a path? Thanks, sorry about the long question!

Corr, what a question. Christina 12 has covered all your questions perfectly. At the end of the day you must weigh up the information from both your tour co. and local contributors.
Obviously San Steph will have much more for the adults to enjoy. However a walk in the morning to Kerassia then lunch and a swim, before a stroll back, would cover both options. Plus of course there's much more to do and see in the evening for the grownups in S/S.
But then, 18 months old are mobile, up to mischief for the first time, getting a personality, are you in trouble or what.
Love it. you'll have a great time. Whatever you choose, it will live with you for ever.
Bob.

If you want to be in and out the water all day then probably Kerasia is better for you and you can always get lunch in the taverna.  Both houses have fair sized kitchens but the kitchen in Maria is better equipped for cooking in if you are not going out at night but then you can always get take away or delivery from most of the tavernas and dont forget if you do fancy a few hours out then there is always the option of a babysitter.  

Happy days - it was this age when we fell in love with Kalami for the same reasons. Relaxed days, no need for a car, evenings in the tavernas with the boys throwing stones into the water (although they still do it at 16 & 21)!! Suggest you invest in a floaties swim vest. They are comfortable and your little one can wear it all day. It worked for us. I still have visions of my youngest walking around the pool with an ice-cream and suddenly just jumping into the deep end. The vest was on and his ice cream didnt even get wet  Enjoy whichever you choose.

If it's any help, we used to take our 11 month old out in his pushchair of an evening with his favourite blanket/toy and he often slept the night away whilst we were dining. He's 22 now though so I doubt if it would work nowadays. Lol

Agree with Elliemay - we have two children (now 14 and 19), who were both put in their pushchair, walked to wherever we were eating, and they would often fall asleep on the way and stay asleep, or if awake happy with a piece of bread to chew on, or if feeling generous the occasional chip!